C-reactive protein (CRP) measured by nephelometry (high-sensitivity)
This blood test measures a protein called C-reactive protein, which your body produces in response to inflammation. It helps assess low-level inflammation that may not be obvious from other tests.
["High-sensitivity CRP helps track subtle inflammation, often used alongside other tests for heart disease risk or monitoring conditions like arthritis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45005-6
- Short code
- C trach IgA Ser Ql
- Synonyms
- C trach IgA Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is High-Sensitivity CRP Used For?
High-sensitivity CRP is primarily used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also help monitor chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or assess responses to treatments that target inflammation.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed using a specialized nephelometry method to measure CRP levels precisely.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have risk factors for heart disease (like high cholesterol or diabetes), if you have symptoms of inflammation, or if you’re being monitored for conditions like arthritis or other chronic inflammatory diseases.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results are interpreted in the context of your overall health. Higher levels may indicate increased inflammation, which could signal a higher risk for heart disease or other inflammatory conditions. Your doctor will discuss these findings with you.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High-sensitivity CRP is a marker for systemic inflammation, often used alongside other tests to assess cardiovascular risk. While it doesn’t diagnose specific conditions, it helps guide treatment decisions and monitor long-term health trends in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.
Short name
High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test if I don’t have obvious symptoms of inflammation?
What are the typical reference ranges for this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect my CRP levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy